hierarchy of control measures Flashcards
elimination - most effective
eredesign the activity so that the hazard is removed or eliminated (for example rather than using a ladder to reach a tree branch to cut it, perform the task from ground level using a pole saw
reduction/substitution
replace a material or process with a less hazardarous one for example using nitrile gloves rather than latex
engineering controls
seperate the hazard from those who might be harmed by methods such as enclosing or guarding for example provide those administering medication to livestock with sharps disposal containers and needle containment devices
isolation
do not use items of equipment until any necasary work, such as maintenance or repair, is completed (for example use a lockout device to stop a piece of machinery being used until non-working safety devices on it can be fixed)
administration
identify and implement policies and procedures needed to work, safely, such as safety/warning signage, systems for safe communication with lone wrokers, traing, certification, safe working practices and dicipline. for example give regular toolbox talks to workers on aspects of health and safety relevant to their activities
PPE
where a risk cannot be eliminated or sufficiently controlled to a reasonably practical level using the previous measures, use PPE or RPE to minimise the consequencees of the risk (for example wear appropiate ear protection when operating noisy machinery)
different types of PPE/RPE protect against relevant hazards
- Eyes (sploshes, projectiles or radiation) - safety glasses, goggles ,face shields and welding masks
- ears (noise exposure) - ear defenders and earplugs offering protection and appropiate to the noise intensity
- head (hair entanglement in machinery, falling objects) - bump caps and safety helmets
- feet and legs (moving equipment, falling objects) - chainsaw boots, boots or shoes with protective toecaps
what is RPE
a specialised type of protective equipmetn that is used to remove contaminants from the air before its breathed in or to provide clean air.
